The final round of the West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge takes place on Saturday November 14th using the classic tracks of the Royal Forest of Dean. We have a very good turn out of contenders and there is still all to play for in the race to become the Stage Masters champion co-driver. Last years winner Liz Beesley has not quite maximised her scores and as Conrad Bos has entered and Andy Richards (in different cars) she is eligible to score the full 35 points if they can win the class. If that is the case and Kevin Hogan wins his class they will be tied on points. If this is the case, Liz will win as she scored points first in the Challenge back in March.

Mike Simpson will be looking to score maximum points

So with that conundrum to challenge those crews the rest can go out and enjoy the stages on offer! First of ours way is Mike Simpson in his regular Escort RS1800 but this time with unregistered Dale Gibbons back in the hot seat. Mike had a great run on the recent Cambrian Rally and will be hoping to keep that form going. Rob Latham is next up in his similar car and will be no slouch but he does have yet another new co-driver to break in which might slow him slightly. Charles Hopkinson and Alan Jones bring their immaculate Escort RS1800 and will set a steady pace as always. It’s good to see Steve Chaplin and Richard Suter out again in their RS1800 and they should be around the pace of Charles and Alan.

Rob Latham will be looking to challenge Simpson

Paul Holmes and Liz Beesley have the pressure on them to perform well in the Pinto powered Escort and have the advantage of having tackled the stages before. Conrad Bos is back with us too which is good to see and will undoubtedly keep Paul and Liz honest throughout the day. The unknown in this class will be Andrew Richards who will be co-driving for Barry Hews and he could spoil the party for Liz Beesley if they have the pace.

Welcome back Conrad Bos, we’ve missed you!

It’s fantastic to see three Minis out competing with Clive King and Anton Bird expected to be the cream of the crop. Craig King will have Challenge title aspirant Kevin Hogan with him and just need to finish to score the maximum 30 points that can be claimed. Forest of Dean Rally Mini expert and legend Eric Davis is back with Russ Joseph for his umpteenth attempt at the rally in their Mini Clubman and will be very keen to get to the finish. With a great compact route on offer it looks to be a great event to be doing and we wish all our crews the best of luck.

No pressure Craig King and Kevin Hogan………

Paul Holmes and Liz Beesley have a bit to do